An increasing number of international tourists are choosing China as the location of their summer holiday this year, with many keen to explore some lesser-known destinations and uncover cultural treasures while enjoying the country's warm hospitality and travel convenience.
As China rolls out a diverse lineup of cultural tourism campaigns from "intangible heritage tours" to "AI-guided journeys", the country is fast becoming a go-to destination for foreign travelers seeking a pack-and-go adventure.
In northwest China's Qinghai Province, the picturesque scenery and generally pleasant temperatures are drawing waves of European visitors, particularly to the provincial capital Xining.
"Xining is a beautiful place, very ecological. The weather in Xining is really good. It's a relief after we have the heat of other places. So we enjoy it too," said Beata Zonenberg Jaworska, a tourist from Poland.
At Xining Railway Station, passenger transport worker Li Jia has noted a sharp rise in international foot traffic in recent weeks.
"Since June, we've seen a steady stream of foreign passengers arriving, whether in groups or individually. Many of them come to ask about ticketing, transfer routes and tips for traveling on the plateau," Li said.
Thanks to optimized visa-free policies, restored international flight routes and improved inbound tourism services, the "China Travel" buzz continues to climb, and a growing number of overseas tourists are shifting from simply seeing China to seeking to fully immerse themselves in various experiences.
French food vlogger Antoine Bunel, who has spent years living in Beijing and is known for his French-Chinese fusion cuisine, highlighted how China's travel convenience and the friendly welcome is leaving a good impression on many foreign visitors.
"I've been very fortunate to visit many places in China. First of all, traveling here is incredibly convenient. Booking flights or train tickets is easy. I pay with my phone for almost everything. Many foreigners may worry about the language barrier before coming, but there are plenty of translation apps. And Chinese people are exceptionally warm-hearted, [if they] see a foreigner in need, they'll step in to help," he said.
Data from online travel platforms also paints a vivid picture of the summer tourism surge in China.
Among the top 20 source countries and regions for inbound tourism this summer, European nations account for 30 percent. Bookings from Europe jumped 275 percent year on year, while orders for scenic spot tickets surged more than 20-fold compared to the previous year.
The China travel boom comes as the country's visa-free "circle of friends" continues to expand, with unilateral visa exemptions for over 40 countries in place through to the end of this year. This allows ordinary passport holders from eligible countries to stay for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism, business, family visits or transit, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
"China Travel" heats up as more European tourists come to explore
